Description

Looking for a colorful, flavor-packed dinner that comes together fast? This Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry is tender, saucy, crunchy, and loaded with veggies — the perfect mix of comfort and freshness. Cajun seasoning adds a surprising (and delicious!) kick, while toasted cashews bring the best buttery crunch. Ready in about 40 minutes, this is the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel easy again.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (like Tony Chachere’s®), or to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Sauce

2½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
2 tbsp cornstarch
8 tsp soy sauce, divided (low-sodium recommended)

Veggies

4 cups shredded cabbage
50 sugar snap peas
20 small asparagus spears, cut into pieces
6 celery stalks, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
4 green onions, chopped
1 (16 oz) can sliced bamboo shoots, drained

Finishing Touches

2 tbsp olive oil (for veggies)
1 cup cashews, toasted
Pinch of paprika (optional)
Optional flavor boosters:
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbsp hoisin or oyster sauce

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until fully coated.
Tip: For extra tender chicken, mix 1 tbsp broth + 1 tsp cornstarch with the chicken before seasoning (a quick velveting method).

2. Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cornstarch, and 4 tsp soy sauce until smooth. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes, in batches if needed, until golden and cooked through.
Transfer to a plate.

4. Stir-Fry the Veggies

Add remaining 2 tbsp oil to the same pan.
Add cabbage, snap peas, asparagus, celery, and bell pepper.
Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Tip: Add harder veggies (like carrots or broccoli) first to give them a head start.

5. Combine Everything

Return chicken to the pan.
Add bamboo shoots, green onions, and optional ginger or hoisin/oyster sauce. Stir well.

6. Add the Sauce

Whisk the broth mixture one more time and pour it into the pan.
Add the remaining 4 tsp soy sauce.
Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

7. Finish with Cashews

Turn off the heat.
Stir in toasted cashews and sprinkle with paprika if desired.